The Effects of a Single Parent Home on a Child’s

“No one is to be blamed! Being a single parent is no joke. Though some cannot relate to this, single parenting is indeed a commendable act but also a challenging situation. We cannot deny the fact the children raised by both parents can easily feel the wholeness in their lives but it is the opposite of those who have single parent. Of course, it is not to be blamed to the parent but single parents must also be aware that there are effects on the child living in that certain situation.”

(c) http://www.livestrong.com

Overview

According to 2012 U.S. Census Bureau information, the number of children reared in single-parent households continues to rise. Children with two parents in the home — earning two incomes — tend to have better financial and educational advantages. The effects of a single-parent home on a child’s behavior can be far-reaching and impact several areas of life, including academic achievement and social behaviors.

Academic Achievement

Most single-parent households are run by mothers, and the absence of a father — coupled with lower household income — can increase the risk of children performing poorly in school. The lack of financial support from a father often results in single mothers working more, which can in turn affect children because they receive less attention and guidance with their homework. Researcher Virginia Knox concluded from data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, that for every $100 of child support mothers receive, their children’s standardized test scores increase by 1/8 to 7/10 of a point. In addition, Knox found that children with single mothers who have contact and emotional support from their fathers tend to do better in school than children who have no contact with their fathers.

Emotional Effects

Having only one income earner in the home puts single parent households at risk for poverty, finds research compiled by the University of Washington’s West Coast Poverty Center. Living in poverty is stressful and can have many emotional effects on …